Understanding the neuronal synapse and challenges associated with the mitochondrial dysfunction in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease

Harkomal Verma, Prabhakar Gangwar, Anuradha Yadav, Bharti Yadav, Rashmi Rao, Sharanjot Kaur, Puneet Kumar, Monisha Dhiman, Giulio Taglialatela, Anil Kumar Mantha

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Synaptic mitochondria are crucial for maintaining synaptic activity due to their high energy requirements, substantial calcium (Ca2+) fluctuation, and neurotransmitter release at the synapse. To provide a continuous energy supply, neurons use special mechanisms to transport and distribute healthy mitochondria to the synapse while eliminating the damaged mitochondria from the synapse. Along the neuron, mitochondrial membrane potential (ψ) gradient exists and is highest in the somal region. Lower ψ in the synaptic region renders mitochondria more vulnerable to oxidative stress-mediated damage. Secondly, mitochondria become susceptible to the release of cytochrome c, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is not shielded from the reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the histone proteins (unlike nuclear DNA), leading to activation of caspases and pronounced oxidative DNA base damage, which ultimately causes synaptic loss. Both synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic failure are crucial factors responsible for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Furthermore, amyloid beta (Aβ) and hyper-phosphorylated Tau, the two leading players of AD, exaggerate the disease-like pathological conditions by reducing the mitochondrial trafficking, blocking the bi-directional transport at the synapse, enhancing the mitochondrial fission via activating the mitochondrial fission proteins, enhancing the swelling of mitochondria by increasing the influx of water through mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening, as well as reduced ATP production by blocking the activity of complex I and complex IV. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is also associated with decline in cognitive ability caused by synaptic degradation. This review summarizes the challenges associated with the synaptic mitochondrial dysfunction linked to AD and MCI and the role of phytochemicals in restoring the synaptic activity and rendering neuroprotection in AD.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)19-29
Number of pages11
JournalMitochondrion
Volume73
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2023

Keywords

  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Amyloid beta
  • DNA base damage
  • Free radicals
  • Hyper-phosphorylated Tau
  • Mitochondria
  • Phytochemicals
  • Synapse

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Understanding the neuronal synapse and challenges associated with the mitochondrial dysfunction in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this